Spacecraft propulsion is any method used to accelerate spacecraft and artificial satellites. In-space propulsion exclusively deals with propulsion systems used in the vacuum of space and should not be confused with space launch or atmospheric entry.

Feb 14, 2025 · In-space propulsion devices for small spacecraft are rapidly increasing in number and variety. Although a mix of small spacecraft propulsion devices have established flight heritage, the market for new propulsion products continues to prove dynamic and evolving.

Jan 25, 2025 · Spacecraft powered by electric propulsion could soon be better protected against their own exhaust, thanks to new supercomputer simulations.

Oct 22, 2020 · The Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) for Gateway will demonstrate advanced, high-power solar electric propulsion around the Moon. It is a 60kW-class spacecraft, 50 of which can be dedicated to propulsion, making it about four times more powerful than current electric propulsion spacecraft.

Apr 17, 2023 · Designing and testing chemical propulsion systems and nuclear thermal engines for satellites and spacecraft, in support of NASA’s space exploration missions.

Jan 24, 2025 · Space Nuclear Propulsion (SNP) is one technology that can provide high thrust and double the propellant efficiency of chemical rockets, making it a viable option for crewed missions to Mars.

Nov 20, 2023 · The propulsion of a rocket includes all of the parts which make up the rocket engine, the tanks pumps, propellants, power head and rocket nozzle. The function of the propulsion system is to produce thrust. Thrust is the force which moves a rocket through the air and through space. Thrust is generated by the propulsion system of the rocket ...

Apr 23, 2024 · Small spacecraft using the NASA-H71M electric propulsion technology will be able to independently maneuver from low-Earth orbit (LEO) to the Moon or even from a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) to Mars.

Spacecraft electric propulsion (or just electric propulsion) is a type of spacecraft propulsion technique that uses electrostatic or electromagnetic fields to accelerate mass to high speed and thus generating thrust to modify the velocity of a spacecraft in orbit. [1]

Dec 16, 2022 · Without propulsion, nothing goes anywhere. It provides the extreme acceleration a rocket needs to lift off and release a spacecraft into orbit around Earth or sling it into deeper space.